Fort Walton Beach, FL Utility & Living Guide

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Fort Walton Beach, FL Utility & Living Guide

Fort Walton Beach, often referred to by the initialism FWB, is a city in southern Okaloosa County, Florida, United States. As of the 2020 census, Fort Walton Beach had a population of 20,922.

Last updated: July 8, 2026
Total Utilities$255/mo
1BR Rent$1062/mo
Sales Tax7.5%
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score6/10
Median Home$272,400
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🌤️ Live Weather — Fort Walton Beach
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Living in Fort Walton Beach, summers are hot, with Aug highs around 87.9°F, while winters stay mild, with Jan lows rarely below 46.8°F. At just 889 heating degree days per year, home heating costs are minimal. Annual rainfall reaches 64.3 inches, mostly summer thunderstorms. Within 5 miles: 59 parks, 2 groceries, 21 dining spots and 3 schools. For hospital care, the nearest facility is in a neighboring city. Median household income: $61,820. With a 13.5% poverty rate and 60.9% homeownership, the community reflects a stable residential mix. Nearby cities: Destin (7mi E), Niceville (11mi NE), Miramar Beach (15mi E). Air quality is Moderate — avg AQI 53 over the past week.
📍 City Briefing
Living in Fort Walton Beach, summers are hot, with Aug highs around 87.9°F, while winters stay mild, with Jan lows rarely below 46.8°F. At just 889 heating degree days per year, home heating costs are minimal. Annual rainfall reaches 64.3 inches, mostly summer thunderstorms. Within 5 miles: 59 parks, 2 groceries, 21 dining spots and 3 schools. For hospital care, the nearest facility is in a neighboring city. Median household income: $61,820. With a 13.5% poverty rate and 60.9% homeownership, the community reflects a stable residential mix. Nearby cities: Destin (7mi E), Niceville (11mi NE), Miramar Beach (15mi E). Air quality is Moderate — avg AQI 53 over the past week.
⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Fort Walton Beach
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🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$120/mo

Gulf Power (a subsidiary of Florida Power & Light)
🔥 Gas

N/A
💧 Water

$45/mo

City of Fort Walton Beach Utilities
🗑️ Garbage

$25/mo

City of Fort Walton Beach Sanitation
📶 Internet

$65/mo

Combined Average Overhead$255/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1062/mo
2 Bedrooms$1181/mo
3 Bedrooms$1476/mo
Median Home Price$272,400
Property Tax Rate1.1%
Avg Childcare/mo$1000

Housing demand is driven by military families and retirees. Prices have risen due to limited inventory and coastal appeal.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

105

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+5% above national average

Groceries

102

Transportation

98

Healthcare

100

Childcare/mo

$1000

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax7.5%
Property Tax Rate1.1%
<p>State 6% + County 1.5%</p>

Florida has no state income tax.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score
6/10
Safety Index

50

Higher = safer
School Rating

6.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1000/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+8% growing (2020-2026)
Political Climate
Red
Business Momentum
Moderate with tourism, defense, and healthcare industries
Top Local Concerns
Hurricane preparedness, affordable housing, traffic congestion
🚌 Transit for Families

Limited public transit; most families rely on cars, but sidewalks are improving in newer areas.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park
  • 🎯
    Emerald Coast Science Center
  • 🎯
    Fort Walton Beach Landing Park

Best Neighborhoods for Families

Shalimar and Mary Esther offer top-rated schools and family-friendly amenities. Beachside communities like Ocean City are popular but pricier.

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Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Fort Walton Beach based on your household profile.

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📊 Fort Walton Beach — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

💰 Median Household Income
$61,820
👤 Median Age
39.5
🏠 Homeownership Rate
60.9%
🔑 Renter Rate
39.1%
📉 Poverty Rate
13.5%
💼 Unemployment Rate
3.6%
📡 Internet Access
82.5%
🎓 College Educated
25.6%
📍 Fort Walton Beach City Stories

Fort Walton Beach, Florida — City Overview

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